Parental orientation is a type of attraction characterized by the desire to raise a child with someone else. It is a unique subtype of familial attraction that may sometimes overlap with other forms, such as romantic attraction, but it is distinct in its focus. This type of attraction involves wanting to share in the experience of parenting, whether through reproduction or adoption. It’s not to be confused with the nurturing and protective feelings one has for a child (known as tutelary attraction). Parental attraction centers on building a shared life that includes parenting responsibilities, such as planning for a child’s upbringing and providing joint care and guidance as they grow.
Alex has always known they wanted to raise a child but didn’t want to do it alone. They felt a deep connection to their partner Taylor, not just romantically but through a shared vision of raising a family together. Alex’s parental orientation came into clear focus when they found themselves discussing potential baby names and imagining future family vacations. The idea of sharing milestones, like attending school plays or navigating parenting challenges as a team, filled Alex with excitement. One evening, they sat with Taylor, talking about how they would raise their future child, from the values they’d instill to their hopes for creating a nurturing home. This conversation cemented Alex’s understanding that their attraction to Taylor extended beyond romance; it included a profound desire to share the parenting journey. For Alex, parental attraction means finding joy in the idea of co-parenting, where shared goals and a joint commitment to raising a child create an additional layer of connection in their relationship. This type of attraction isn’t solely about affection or romance; it’s about a shared ambition to build a family and support each other as partners in parenthood.
Patterns of parental attraction toward specific genders can shape what is known as an individual’s parental orientation. These orientations are often identified using the suffix “-parental,” as in “heteroparental” or “biparental.” People who often feel parental attraction are referred to as alloparental, while those who do not frequently experience it may be called aparental or nonparental. A strong parental desire for someone may be referred to as a “prush” or a “prash.”
It’s important to differentiate parental attraction from sexual attraction. While sexual attraction may involve a desire for intimacy, parental attraction specifically refers to the wish to raise a child with someone, which may include adoption rather than bearing a child.
History
The term “parental attraction” was first mentioned by an unspecified Tumblr user on October 22, 2020. It has since become a recognized concept within various online communities.
Sources
- beyond-mogai-pride-flags. “Parental Attraction.” Tumblr, March 7, 2020. Link
Source
https://new.lgbtqia.wiki/wiki/parental_attraction_and_orientation